Top critical review

First off, I'm not a teenager and I haven't read the book. I watched the movie with the rest of my family, because my teenaged daughter insisted that we should, and assured us that we'd all love it. (In return for this, she has to watch Dracula ...)

Actually, I watched it twice, because it was both much better and much worse than I expected. It's clearly a teenage-girl wish-fulfilment fantasy, starring teenage actors, so you don't expect anything very thought-provoking, any serious characterization or (probably) any Oscar-winning performances. But I could be wrong about that.

The acting is first-rate, in particular Rob Pattinson's portrayal of the dark, brooding outcast who "doesn't want to be a monster". The barely-controlled anger, the pathos and the vulnerability he brought to Edward were quite outstanding. I'd also give five stars to Cam Gigandet's James, the Tracker, whose combination of a feline predator with a sadistic sicko was also superb. The developed relationship between Edward and Bella is everything that teenaged first-love should be -- desperately intense, sweet, touching, and sometimes laden with embarrassment. They were great. I thought Kristen Stewart's Bella was OK -- but the character is a wimp (the kind that just wants to be protected and loved and cherished for ever but doesn't seem to do a great deal to deserve it) so she didn't have much to work with.

On the down side, the "willing suspension of disbelief" takes a real beating with this movie. Some of it is rather obvious and my daughter tells me you just have to live with it -- like the fact that Edward has been 17 for "a while" but still doesn't act any older than this. (I mean, he's been going to high school now for *ninety years*? Doesn't he get bored with it? Doesn't he fall asleep during the ninetieth repetition of Grade 11 math? Since they obviously aren't there to meet other kids, why don't they pretend to homeschool? How come no-one notices that they never eat their cafeteria food? How come they still behave like teenagers after ninety years? Because if they didn't, there wouldn't be any story, of course.) Bella appears to go from outright dislike to undying love in about two days, which made me want to shake her and tell her to grow up. (You've known him how long??) The real let-down, though, is the special effects. The first time Edward raced up a hill at superhuman speed, three of us (everyone except my daughter) just fell apart laughing, it was so patently, absurdly, just a speeded-up film. It looks like Charlie Chaplin. Leaping from a balcony, or across an enormous room, was unbelievably fake. (Real jumps have a trajectory; only a zip-wire doesn't.) With the best will in the world, it's hard to immerse yourself in an adventure that suddenly springs these awful gaffes on you.

On the whole, though, I quite enjoyed this. Of course, 99% of teenage girls adore it, but their parents and siblings can watch it too without being overly shocked or appalled. Just try not to laugh or comment too loudly, because it annoys the teenage daughter.

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I read the book and it was excellent. When the movie came out I couldn't wait to see it. Then when the DVD came out I was so happy to see that it arrived in my mailbox a day early. I have watched this movie many times since then. I love it. Anyone who loves a love story with a twist will love this movie. The chemistry between Edward and Bella is intense and keeps you interested to see what it going to happen. Even someone who hasn't read the book would enjoy this movie. I can't wait until the second one comes out!

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Isabella Swan: "About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."

Short Attention Span Summary (SASS):

1. Girl moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father2. The weather sucks3. So apparently do some of the inhabitants4. She makes friends with some Quileute Indians and one very pale face5. Some girls just can't resist a tall, pale, handsome, unapproachable and seemingly unattainable guy6. After researching old Quileute legends, she realizes that the new love of her life might in fact be larger than life.7. Atypical teen romance of undying love follows, and of course this love is tested in many ways8. Ending paves way for anxiously awaited sequel

This is a wonderful and unusual story of young romance, filled with dangerous passion, intrigue and dire peril. As a point of interest, these vampires are totally different to the Bram Stoker variety, so don't expect fangs, coffins, capes or bats, and what's more, this new and improved breed positively sparkle in the rays of the sun.

The young stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart share an undeniable chemistry, and although I haven't read the book, this movie made me put it on my wish list. Highly recommended for anyone who's a sucker for love.

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I recieved this item at top speed. In very excellent condition and they refunded me a few more dollars after it dropped down in price after a few days of purchase...there are not too many venders that do that. Amazon wants the best for their customers and will do whatever it takes to make them happy, and I am a happy one at that!